In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron and guest Michelle Tetschner discuss their shared experiences advocating for inclusion in education for their children with disabilities. Michelle, the mother of a son with Down syndrome, highlights the importance of teamwork, confidence in IEP meetings, and a vision for the future. Together, they stress focusing on a child's strengths, building empathy with educators, and correcting misconceptions about disabilities to foster inclusion in schools and society.

Key Takeaways:

Inclusion journey: Inclusion requires teamwork and is a continuous journey.

Advocacy focus: Lead IEP meetings with confidence and a clear vision for your child’s future.

Strengths-based: IEP goals should focus on a child’s strengths, not their limitations.

Presume competence: Encourage independence by presuming competence in children with disabilities.

Educator empathy: Build relationships with educators and understand their challenges.

Michelle’s definition of inclusion:

To me, inclusion is a journey! It is an action verb. It takes a team to be successful!

I am a passionate” Inclusion-ista”!

I believe wholeheartedly that inclusion in school leads to changing a community!

When children in schools are exposed to persons with disabilities at a young age, they become more comfortable with the differences that we all created with. They then grow up to be more comfortable when working next to, hiring, being neighbors with, and welcoming people with exceptional abilities into their community.

Inclusion is a game changer!

Inclusion can change the world!

I am the author to the book: Fully Included~ Stories to Inspire Inclusion and am always seeking out new stories, new people, and trying to spread successful stories everywhere❤️

Michelle’s Bio:

Michelle Tetschner is a proud mom to three boys, the youngest is Raymond who happens to rock an extra chromosome. She is the author of the book: "Fully Included~Stories to Inspire Inclusion" with her husband Stacy. She is also a writer for The Mighty with over 25 stories published on disability and Down syndrome.

Michelle has been featured on several podcasts and webinars as a leading expert on inclusion in both public and private Catholic schools. She is the current president/founder of FIRE Foundation NE Florida.

She describes herself as a "passionate inclusionista" who has fought yearly for her son Raymond to be included in school. She has coached hundreds of parents with inspiration and guidance for school meetings and IEPs.

Her son Raymond, is used to being the first. He was one of the first students in Phoenix, AZ to be fully included in Catholic school. He went on to be the inaugural student of a brand new program in Maryland, as well as the first student with Down syndrome, in the diocese of St Petersburg- to graduate fully included. He is an amazing drummer, actor, and an amazing guy who loves God and his family.

Michelle believes we all live in one world, and longs for the day when everyone chooses to open their hearts and minds to seeing each person's gifts and talents first.

Connect with Michelle:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559089771384

Fully Included - Stories to Inspire Inclusion Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559015318714

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 4

No - 6

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